
                                       ROSES
                                       =====


                                    CULTIVATION:
     The  rose  plants  are very prickly, dense,  erect,  and reach a height of
     about  6 feet. The flowers are single and delightfully fragrant. The hips,
     about 1 inch across, ripen in late summer.

     Roses  require full sun and excellent drainage. The soil can be of average
     quality,  but  it is a good idea  to  mix with fertilizer. Keep plant well
     watered  for a couple of weeks. If you  cannot find plants to buy, you can
     propagate  you  own from greenwood stem  cuttings taken in late spring and
     summer. Plant the cuttings in the garden in the fall when they have a good
     root system. Probably the best of these is Rosa rugosa and its hybrids.

     Harvest  the rose hip as soon as they  are fully grown, firm, and red. Cut
     off  the  ends before using . For  jam,  you should also remove the seeds.
     Pick buds when formed, petals when first open. Dry petals and buds.



                                  CULINARY   USES:
     Many  of the species roses produce  berry-like, red fruits, called "hips".
     These are made into tasty jam or soup with a very high vitamin C content

     Use the scented petals in salads and pies, or make syrup, vinegar, sorbets
     and sweets.


                                   MEDICAL  USES:
     Rose  hips contain a significant amount of vitamin C. However much is lost
     during drying and infusion process.

     Rose  hip  tea can help boost cold  and  flue sufferer's overall vitamin C
     intake.  It  may  also  relieve  sore  throats,  mouth  sore,  and stomach
     complains.

     The  active vitamin content varies depending upon which type of rose plant
     is used, where and how it was harvested, and how it was dried.

     Rose  petals may help shrink inflamed mucous membranes. Rose hips contains
     organic acids and pectin, which makes them a mild laxative.

     Fresh  rose hips are highly nutritious. Ounce for ounce, rose hip contains
     more vitamin C then oranges. They also boast an ample supply of vitamin A,
     which has been found to help boost immunity.



                                      WARNING:
     When  picking fresh rose hips, be sure  that the rose bush have never been
     sprayed with pesticides.


                                  COSMETIC  USES:
     The flower is the source of rose oil and water.
     
